Total Recall (video game)

Last updated

Total Recall
Total Recall (video game) (Cover).jpg
Developer(s) Ocean Software
Interplay (NES)
Publisher(s) Ocean Software
Acclaim (NES)
Programmer(s) Alan Pavlish (NES)
Michael Quarles (NES)
Composer(s) George Sanger (NES)
David Warhol (NES)
Platform(s) Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, NES, Amiga, Atari ST
Release1990, 1991
Genre(s) Platform
Mode(s) Single-player

Total Recall is a 1990 platform game developed and published by Ocean Software that was released for the Commodore 64, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, and Nintendo Entertainment System. Total Recall is based on the 1990 film of the same name.

Contents

Development and release

Total Recall was released in 1990, and 1991 by Ocean Software for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. The game was originally developed by Active Minds for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 until the project was rebooted by Ocean Software. [1]

There was also a NES version which was notably different from the others, being developed by a different team (Interplay), who were subcontracted by Acclaim Entertainment. Interplay defended the changes, however, claiming that their alteration stuck closer to the spirit of the original short story, which they said "read more like a platformer."[ citation needed ] In a tie-in with the NES game, the August 1990 version of Nintendo Power promoted the game for their well-known monthly mail-in contests, with the Rekall slogan of "Making the Impossible Possible" whereby first prize would be one of the Martian police uniforms along with a videotaped trip to Hollywood with a chance to meet Schwarzenegger. Years later, the magazine admitted that it was their worst promotion, as "our winner did not get to meet Arnold until late 1991, and even then only for a quick handshake."[ citation needed ]

Gameplay

The game includes platform segments and top-down racing scenes, with the player controlling Douglas Quaid.

Reception

Crash reviewer Mark rated the game 94%. Richard rated the game 93% and believed players would love the game, saying "don't bother getting Rekall to remember it for you: go out and experience Total Recall for real!" [20] Zzap! #71 (Mar 1991) rated the game C64 version of the game at 76%. [9] Another Power Play reviewer rated the Amiga version at 33% and the C 64 version at 34%, criticizing both editions for having endless opponents and sloppy controls. [16]

Several reviewers rated the Amiga version of the game. CU Amiga rated the game 77% and said "It's by no means a bad game, just a little stale. It follows a very successful formula but fails to rise above it." [12] Computer and Video Games #111 (Feb 1991) rated the game 62% and said "a very polished game, but one I can only recommend to very patient players who haven't become bored of Ocean's film license format, which is beginning to look pretty tired nowadays." [7] Amiga Action rated the Amiga version of the game 78% and said "Total Recall wasn't on the top of my list for games I was looking forward to I must confess. However, it is in fact quite good." [2] Amiga Format rated the game 77% and said "A solid, polished package, only its late arrival, due to slipping in the schedules, deprived it of a full review." [4] Zzap! #72 (Apr 1991) rated the game 70%. [10]

The NES version was much more negatively received. A reviewer from German magazine Power Play rated the NES version 39% and questioned Quaid's intelligence, "trying to get rid of every bad guy on the right path and lure them into dark alleys only to offer a boring fight". He commented that these sequences "should not have been programmed at all, and that a lot of parts seem like a graphically strong, stripped-down Double Dragon ". [15] Three of the four reviewers for Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) gave it a 3 out of 10, with the remaining reviewer, Sushi-X, giving it a 2 out of 10. Steve Harris called it "a new low" for NES games due to its poor graphics and weak action, and Ed Semrad regarded it as a shocking disappointment given publisher Acclaim Entertainment's strong track record at the time. [8] According to EGM, Acclaim pulled their ads from the magazine in response to the negative review. [21]

Amiga Mania rated the Hit Squad re-release of the game at 81% and said "It's all full of style and all the things you wouldn't expect to find in a normal budget game, from the way Quaid crouches and fires to the fact that there's even a car chase!" [11] Amiga Format #40 (Nov 1992) rated the game at 79% and said "The overall impression is one of a competent game which doesn't push the Amiga to within a tenth of its abilities." [5] Amiga Action #37 (Oct 1992) rated the game 78% and said "If you like your games to give you a challenge at an affordable price then this is worth checking out, but there are far better products out there." [3] CU Amiga rated the game 63%. [13] Amiga Power rated the game 41% and said "Nice graphics, not-very-nice gameplay. Total Recall? (Totally predictably) Total Rubbish, more like." [6]

The One gave the Amiga version of Total Recall an overall score of 70%, noting it as having 'limited lastability' due to its gameplay 'feeling the same throughout', but expressed that it's "inconsistent difficulty" provided variety. The One criticized Total Recall's graphics and sound, expressing that they are of 'inconsistent quality', calling the game's music "bland" and graphics "unspectacular" at times, but otherwise 'okay'. The One criticized the frequent disk swapping required, and further called Total Recall 'unoriginal', expressing that the game ought to have incorporated more elements from the film, and further stating that there are "so many better platform and race games [than Total Recall]". [14]

The game reached number 2 in the UK ZX Spectrum sales charts, behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles . [22] In 1997 EGM ranked the NES version number 5 on their "Top 10 Worst Games of All Time". [23] EGM's Seanbaby placed the NES version as number 15 in his "20 worst games of all time" feature. [24]

Related Research Articles

<i>Rick Dangerous</i> 1989 video game

Rick Dangerous is a platform game developed by Core Design for the Acorn Archimedes, Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS. The game was released in 1989 and published by MicroProse on the Firebird Software label in the UK, and on the MicroPlay label in America. It was also published in Spain by Erbe Software. Later, it was released with two other games, Stunt Car Racer and MicroProse Soccer, on the Commodore 64 Powerplay 64 cartridge. The game was followed by a sequel, Rick Dangerous 2, in 1990. Loosely based on the Indiana Jones film franchise, the game received mixed reviews from critics.

<i>Gauntlet II</i> 1986 arcade video game

Gauntlet II is a 1986 arcade game produced by Atari Games that serves as the immediate sequel to the original Gauntlet, which was released the previous year. Like its predecessor, Gauntlet II is a fantasy-themed top down dungeon crawler game and was released as a dedicated cabinet, as well as a conversion kit, both available in 2-player and 4-player versions.

Thalamus Ltd was a British computer game developer that published titles for a number of 8-bit and 16-bit platforms during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Newsfield Publications Ltd was a British magazine publisher during the 1980s and early 1990s.

<i>Nebulus</i> (video game) 1987 video game

Nebulus is a platform game created by John M. Phillips and published by Hewson Consultants in the late 1980s for home computer systems. International releases and ports were known by various other names: Castelian, Kyorochan Land, Subline, and Tower Toppler.

<i>Cisco Heat</i> 1990 video game

Cisco Heat: All American Police Car Race is a 1990 racing video game developed and published in arcades by Jaleco. Players control a police squad car racing against computer-controlled vehicles. The goal is to finish each race in first place. Players can take different routes to bypass certain portions of the course. Three cabinet types were created, a standard upright, a sit-down, and a motion-based "deluxe" machine; both of these could be connected, or "linked", together to enable multiplayer.

<i>RoboCop 2</i> (video game) 1990 video game

RoboCop 2 is a platform shooter video game based on the 1990 film of the same name. The game was released for several platforms, including Amiga, Amstrad GX4000, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, and ZX Spectrum. Ocean Software developed and published several versions, and Data East manufactured an arcade version.

<i>Spindizzy</i> 1986 video game

Spindizzy is an isometric video game released for several 8-bit home computers in 1986 by Electric Dreams Software. It combines action and puzzle video game elements. Players must navigate a series of screens to explore a landscape suspended in a three-dimensional space. Development was headed by Paul Shirley, who drew inspiration from Ultimate Play the Game games that feature an isometric projection.

<i>The Untouchables</i> (video game) 1989 video game

The Untouchables is a video game released by Ocean Software in 1989 on ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, MSX, Atari ST, Amiga, DOS, NES, and SNES. It is based on the film The Untouchables.

<i>Tiger Road</i> 1987 video game

Tiger Road is a hack and slash platform game originally released in 1987 as a coin-operated arcade video game.

<i>Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax</i> 1988 video game

Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax is a video game first published in 1988 for various home computers. It was released as Axe of Rage in North America. The game is the sequel to Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior, which was published in 1987. In Barbarian II, the player controls a princess or barbarian character, exploring the game world to locate and defeat an evil wizard. The game's plot is an extension of its predecessor, although the gameplay is different. While the first game offers two players the opportunity for virtual head-to-head combat, the second is a single-player beat 'em up with fewer fighting moves. It uses a flip-screen style instead of scrolling.

<i>Fun School</i> Video game series

Fun School is a series of educational packages developed and published in the United Kingdom by Europress Software, initially as Database Educational Software. The original Fun School titles were sold mostly by mail order via off-the-page adverts in the magazines owned by Database Publications. A decision was made to create a new set of programs, call the range Fun School 2, and package them more professionally so they could be sold in computer stores around the UK. Every game comes as a set of three versions, each version set to cater for a specific age range.

<i>Seymour Goes to Hollywood</i> 1991 platform and adventure video game

Seymour Goes to Hollywood, also known as Seymour at the Movies, is a platform and adventure game developed by Big Red Software and originally published in Europe by Codemasters in 1991. Players control Seymour, a small potato-like creature who wishes to be a film star. The film's script has been locked in a safe, meaning Seymour must solve puzzles by collecting and using objects scattered throughout the game in order to progress, ultimately retrieving the script and allowing filming to start.

<i>The Real Ghostbusters</i> (1987 video game) 1987 video game

The Real Ghostbusters is a 1987 shoot 'em up arcade game developed and published by Data East. It is loosely based on Ghostbusters. In Japan, Data East released it as a non-Ghostbusters arcade game under the title Meikyuu Hunter G. In 1989, Activision published The Real Ghostbusters for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.

<i>Switchblade</i> (video game) 1989 video game

Switchblade is a 1989 side-scrolling action-platform run and gun video game originally developed by Core Design and published by Gremlin Graphics in Europe for the Atari ST home computers. The first installment in the eponymous two-part series, the game is set in a dystopian future where players assume the role of Hiro from the Blade Knights as he embarks on a journey to defeat Havok, the main antagonist who broke free from his imprisonment after the sacred Fireblade was shattered into several pieces. Its gameplay consists of run and gun action mixed with platforming and exploration elements, with a main single-button configuration.

<i>Ace</i> (video game) 1985 video game

Ace is a combat flight simulator video game published for the Commodore 64, VIC-20, and Plus/4 in 1985 by Cascade Games. It was ported to the Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Amiga, and ZX Spectrum.

<i>Ghostbusters II</i> (computer video game) 1989 video game

Ghostbusters II is a 1989 action game based on the film of the same name. It was published by Activision for various computer platforms. British studio Foursfield developed a version for Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum, which also got ported to the MSX by New Frontier. It features three levels based on scenes from the film. Dynamix developed a separate version for the DOS, also based on the film. The non-DOS versions were praised for the graphics and audio, but criticized for long loading times, disk swapping, and the final level. The DOS, Commodore 64 and Amiga versions were the only versions released in North America.

<i>Joe Blade</i> 1987 video game

Joe Blade is a video game published by Interceptor Micros on their Players budget label for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC in 1987. It reached the top of the UK game charts, replacing Renegade. In Germany, the game peaked at number 7. It was ported to the Acorn Electron, BBC Micro, Atari 8-bit computers, MSX, Amiga, and Atari ST. A sequel, Joe Blade 2, was published in 1988. Another sequel, Joe Blade 3, was released in 1989.

<i>Terminator 2</i> (computer game) 1991 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 action video game developed by Dementia and published by Ocean Software. It is based on the 1991 film of the same name, and was released in Europe for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, and ZX Spectrum. It is a sequel to The Terminator, itself based on the 1984 film of the same name. The game features several gameplay styles such as driving, fighting, and puzzle-solving.

<i>Judge Dredd</i> (1991 video game) 1991 video game

Judge Dredd is a 1991 platform shoot 'em up video game based on the character of the same name. It was developed by Random Access and published by Virgin Mastertronic. It was released in Europe in 1991, for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. Critics found the gameplay repetitive.

References

  1. ↑ Gasking, Frank (May 29, 2023). "Total Recall V1". Games That Weren't 64.
  2. 1 2 "Total Recall". Amiga Action. No. 18. Europress. March 1991. p. 88.
  3. 1 2 Sharp, Brian (October 1992). "Total Recall". Amiga Action. No. 37. Europress. p. 77.
  4. 1 2 "SP Outro: Total Recall". Amiga Format. No. 20. Future Publishing. March 1991. p. 89.
  5. 1 2 "Budget Games: Total Recall". Amiga Format. No. 40. Future Publishing. November 1992. p. 111.
  6. 1 2 Pelley, Rich (October 1992). "Game Reviews: Total Recall". Amiga Power. No. 18. Future Publishing. p. 84.
  7. 1 2 Paul, Glancey (February 1991). "Review: Total Recall by Ocean". Computer and Video Games. No. 111. EMAP. p. 75. ISSN   0261-3697.
  8. 1 2 Steve Harris; Ed Semrad; Martin Alessi; Sushi-X (September 1997). "Review Crew: Total Recall". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 14. Sendai Publishing. p. 12.
  9. 1 2 Wynne, Stuart; Hogg, Robin (March 1991). "Zzap! Test! Total Recall". Zzap!. No. 71. Newsfield Publications Ltd. p. 76.
  10. 1 2 Wynne, Stuart; Hogg, Robin (April 1991). "Zzap! Test! Total Recall". Zzap!. No. 72. Newsfield Publications Ltd. p. 70.
  11. 1 2 Davy, Jeff (October 1992). "Budget: Total Recall". Amiga Mania. MC Publications Ltd. p. 58.
  12. 1 2 James, Steve (November 1990). "Screen Scene: Total Recall". CU Amiga. No. 9. EMAP. pp. 24–25.
  13. 1 2 Merrett, Steve (August 1992). "VFM Budget Reviews: Total Recall". CU Amiga. No. 30. EMAP. p. 85.
  14. 1 2 Houghton, Gordon (February 1991). "Total Recall". The One. No. 29. emap Images. pp. 67–68.
  15. 1 2 Forster, Winfried (January 1991). "Muskelmurks: Total Recall" [Mustle-Mess: Total Recall]. Power Play (in German). Markt&Technik.
  16. 1 2 3 Hengst, Michael (April 1991). "Die Totale Verwirrung: Total Recall" [The Total Confusion: Total Recall]. Power Play (in German). Markt&Technik.
  17. ↑ Crash issue #86 - 1991/Mar page 56
  18. ↑ Sinclair User issue #109 - 1991/Mar page 26
  19. ↑ "Total Recall". Amstrad Action. No. 68. Future Publishing. May 1991. p. 45-46. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  20. ↑ Mark; Richard (March 1991). "Reviews: Total Recall". Crash. No. 86. Newsfield Publications Ltd. pp. 56–57.
  21. ↑ "This Month in EGM History: July '90". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 100. Ziff Davis. November 1997. p. 238.
  22. ↑ "The Charts". Your Sinclair. No. 65. Future Publishing. May 1991. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  23. ↑ "The Top 10 Worst Games of All Time". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 100. Ziff Davis. November 1997. p. 107. Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.
  24. ↑ "Seanbaby's EGM's Crapstravaganza - #15: Total Recall (NES)". Seanbaby.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2006.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.